During this festive season, fine dining establishments in and around Kolkata are experiencing a substantial increase in patronage, with a remarkable 25 percent surge in sales compared to the pre-pandemic Pujas in October 2019.
After enduring the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic for two years, restaurant owners are delighted that dining out has once again become a popular trend. Sudesh Poddar, President of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Eastern India, stated, “Our sales figures indicate a 25 percent rise in sales and occupancy in fine dining restaurants across the city compared to the same period two years ago.”
Some restaurants had extended operating hours, with instances of closures at 2:30 or 3 am instead of the usual 1:30 am. In a unique case, one restaurant welcomed its last guest at 5 am, only to reopen at 11 am. Poddar emphasized, “It has been an amazing run for us, with such sales not witnessed even in the pre-pandemic time of 2019.”
Azra Golam, sales director of the Aminia Restaurant chain known for Mughlai delicacies, described this year’s footfall in the Kolkata restaurant industry as “record-breaking.” He attributed the surge to people engaging in “revenge eating” after nearly two years of caution. Golam expressed satisfaction, stating, “Restaurants have been waiting for such a time, and it gave us the best sales in the last two years.”
Nitin Kothari, owner of iconic continental restaurants Peter Cat and Mocambo, along with Chinese eatery Peter Hu, shared that the eateries maintained full occupancy since the beginning of the Durga Puja, and the response has been phenomenal. He predicted the trend to continue until Lakshmi Puja, followed by a slight dip with the reopening of offices and another surge leading up to Kali Puja and Diwali.
Debaditya Chaudhury, Managing Director of the Chinese restaurant chain Chowman, reported that all outlets experienced overwhelming attendance during the pujas. After almost two years, people had the opportunity to enjoy Puja festivities in a full-fledged manner, resulting in inconceivable crowds queuing up at their restaurants.
According to the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Eastern India, Kolkata boasts around 400 fine dining restaurants, including some with bars, in the city and its surroundings.
